of America Inc.of America Inc.
The Pilons in America are the descendants of Antoine or Jean-Baptiste Pilon.
Antoine, originating from St.Patrice de Bayeux Parish in Normandy, arrived in New France around 1687 and was a founding pioneer of Pointe-Claire. Most of the Pilons are his descendants.
Jean-Baptiste Pilon, dit Lafortune, originating from the St. Eustache de Paris Parish on the Île-de-France, arrived in New France around 1677. He settled in the Repentigny area.
In order to bring all these great families together, the Pilon Association of America was founded on March 31, 1992. It has its own constitution and is administered by a Board of ten directors elected at the Association’s annual meeting.
Main Achievements
Gatherings:
Commemorative Plaques
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Surrounding wall of St. Patrice Church
in Bayeux (place of baptism of Antoine)
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Wall of St. Joachim Church in Pointe
Claire (transferred property)
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Antoine Pilon Park in Pointe Claire,
inaugurated in the presence of the City’s
authorities (founding pioneer)
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The Association also owns several historical documents and an extensive genealogical database.
Advantages and registration
The annual registration fees of $ 25 provides the following advantages : a membership card, access to the Pilon archives and genealogical researches, the Pilon Journal published four times a year and information on the Pilons' past and current history.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Greetings to all our cousins of the vast Pilon family!
Winter is already at our doorstep. For some, it’s time to head south to warmer climate and for others it’s simply the start of the winter season. Just imagine what winter would be like without all the modern conveniences. It’s a thought that had occurred to me while I was at the New France celebrations which where held last August in Pointe-a-Calliere in the old section of Montreal. If you think back you’ll remember that in the “old days” winter was a season where everything came to a halt for many weeks. However, our ancestors never ceased their work as they prepared for the following summer. Imagine them chopping wood, cutting ice (for the ice box), setting out traps, etc. Today, if everything was to stop for 48 hours, there would be disasters everywhere: floods, heavy snow, ice storms, etc. We’re very lucky to be living in the 21st century. Life is much easier than it was during the time of the colonies.
Next August, we will again have a booth representing the Pilon family during the two days of the New France celebrations in Pointe-a-Calliere. It’s via events open to the general public that we have chosen to get to know other Pilons and hopefully recruit new members. It’s a matter of survival for the Association … a long term survival. Pointe-a-Calliere is just a few steps away from Place Royale, probably the very spot where Antoine would have stepped onto this continent. What a reaction he would have had knowing that in 2004, his descendants had a booth on the very same spot, in attempts to get together and socialize as a group.
Unfortunately, there will not be a Grand Reunion in 2005 due to the lack of organizers. However, we would like to try something new. We know that every year there are Pilon families that organize their own family reunions and we would be privileged if some members of the Association could represent us at these events during the summer of 2005. Please do not hesitate to contact me if your particular event would be willing to welcome a few representatives from our Association. Also, if you’d like we would love to share this with other Pilons in our Journal.
Our annual meeting was a pleasant one where we were pleased to greet two new administrators, Liliane G., #207 and the return of Sylvain-Viateur Pilon, #553, a young lawyer who believes in our Association. In fact, he set the mood at the meeting by winning two prizes, a painting of the house of Antoine and the 50/50 draw which he generously gave back to the Association. Thanks to the administrators whose terms have ended and who have left the Council.
I’d also like to mention a great visit from London, Ontario. Paul showed us a fantastic collection of photos and stories of his ancestors, a job well done. Also present was his son Gary, who helps Lise with her genealogy duties. Courageous people! Also, it’s always a pleasure to see our two past presidents, Yves and Robert M.
The year is coming to an end and the holiday season will soon be upon us. Please be careful and above all, don’t drive if you’ve partaken of ‘you know what’ since we’d love to see you at our Sugar Shack event in 2005. Happy holidays and a happy 2005.
Francois M., President
Its motto is:
"KNOW YOUR PAST ... LIVE THE PRESENT"